Fabe’s Corner- Palmyra, PA Exposed: Hidden Fees, High APR Markups, Title Delays, Service Backlogs

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, many buyers discover warranty repairs only after they’ve taken possession—when leverage is gone and queues are long. The most powerful prevention is a truly independent, third-party inspection before you sign or pay. This inspection should include the roof, seals, axles, brakes, electrical/12V and shore power systems, propane leak testing, slides, appliances, water intrusion, and frame/underbody checks. Search locally here: RV Inspectors near me.

If a dealer refuses to allow a third-party professional inspection on their lot before purchase, that’s a major red flag—walk. Your inspection report is your leverage. Without it, you could face postponed camping plans because your new RV is stuck in a service bay for weeks or months waiting on parts and warranty approvals.

Schedule the inspection as early as possible, share the punch-list with the dealer, and require all items to be remedied in writing before delivery. If you’ve already bought and are facing repair delays, post your timeline so other shoppers can see real wait times.

(Serious Concern)

Many dealerships build profit through add-ons and “paper” items rather than the RV itself. Watch for:

• Dealer “prep,” freight, and “admin/doc” fees that weren’t disclosed in advertising.
• Nonrefundable deposits that were not clearly labeled as such.
• Forced add-ons (paint or fabric protection, nitrogen tires, GPS/etch, interior seals) that add thousands but have questionable value.
• Extended warranties and service contracts presented as “required” for financing—this is not true and may violate FTC guidance.

Any time you see surprise fees on the final buyer’s order, pause and renegotiate or walk. You can also learn how advocates identify dealership upsells by searching Liz Amazing’s videos on RV buying traps.

(Moderate Concern)

Low trade valuations can quietly erase your negotiating gains. Bring multiple cash offers from local buyers or instant online offers to compare against any trade-in figure. Get the written appraisal, and insist on seeing the line-item valuation independent of any “packaged” price presentation. If reviews on the Google profile mention unexpected drops in trade value at signing, that’s a sign to hit pause and reassess.

(Serious Concern)

Finance offices sometimes “pack” payments with products that weren’t clearly explained. Protect yourself by:

• Getting a credit union pre-approval so you know a fair APR before sitting down with F&I.
• Refusing any product you don’t want. Everything is optional—service contracts, GAP, wheel/tire, theft packages, key/paint/fabric warranties.
• Demanding a line-by-line financing disclosure and the full lender rate approval sheet if you suspect rate markup.

If local reviews show buyers were quoted one interest rate verbally and saw a higher rate on the final contract, document it and let other customers know what to watch for.

(Serious Concern)

RV buyers sometimes report waiting weeks for titles or registration corrections—leaving them unable to travel legally. In Pennsylvania, dealers must process title and registration promptly and accurately. Before taking delivery, verify all VINs, serial numbers, lienholder data, and names are correct. Check the Google Business Profile’s lowest-star reviews for any references to paperwork or tag delays. If you spot a pattern, proceed cautiously and hold funds until documentation is ready.

(Serious Concern)

Repeated public complaints at many RV dealers involve receiving units with leaks, non-functional slides, dead batteries, miswired components, or appliances that fail on the first trip. A thorough PDI—performed by a third-party inspector you hire—is your best defense. If negative reviews mention that customers discovered issues immediately after purchase, this suggests an inadequate PDI process and understaffed service bays.

If you can’t be on-site for a long walkthrough, require a detailed, dated checklist with photos of each tested component. Never accept “We’ll fix it after you buy.” That shifts all leverage away from you.

(Serious Concern)

Across the RV industry, service departments regularly run at capacity. When a dealership sells more units than its service team can support, customers can wait months for warranty repairs. Scan the lowest-star Google reviews for language about “weeks without updates,” “no callbacks,” or “unit sitting on the lot.” If present in Palmyra, that’s a sign to require firm timelines in writing before leaving your RV.

(Moderate Concern)

Manufacturers approve or deny warranty claims, but dealerships can advocate on your behalf—or slow the process with incomplete submissions. If public reviews describe a cycle of “The manufacturer won’t cover it” or “That’s your fault,” ask for written warranty claim numbers and factory correspondence. Keep your own photographic evidence of the defect’s cause. If necessary, escalate to the manufacturer and file complaints with state regulators.

(Moderate Concern)

Parts can be slow in the RV world, but poor diagnostics and rework amplify delays and costs. When reading Google reviews, note whether customers report repeat visits for the same problem or “fixed” items failing on the next trip. Insist on the old parts being saved for your inspection; this discourages unnecessary replacements and helps if you need to escalate to the manufacturer or regulators later.

(Moderate Concern)

Recalls for LP systems, axles, brakes, propane regulators, or electrical harnesses are common in the RV industry. Dealers typically perform recall work at no charge, but service capacity can slow completion. Always run your VINs for recalls prior to purchase, and ask the dealer to provide proof of completed recall work. Learn more and search for recalls here: NHTSA Recalls – official portal. You can also try a dealership-targeted search to see if owner reports cluster around recall handling: NHTSA search formatted for Fabe’s Corner queries.

(Moderate Concern)

New staff or high turnover can lead to rushed walkthroughs and missed defects. You should receive a comprehensive orientation covering shore power, battery/solar management, converter/inverter status, propane safety testing, slide operation, stabilizers, seals, winterization, and torque checks. If public reviews mention confusion or lack of training, this increases the case for third-party inspection and a long, methodical delivery day on your terms.

(Moderate Concern)

Verify that the unit you’re buying matches the VIN and the features advertised. Double-check model-year equipment changes, tire and axle ratings, battery type/quantity, furniture, and options packages. If reviews reference “missing features” or “bait-and-switch” feelings, respond by requiring an itemized sales order with every option listed, then confirm during inspection that each is present and functional.

(Serious Concern)

Service failures aren’t just inconveniences—they can be safety hazards and major financial risks:

• Water intrusion from unsealed roofs or windows can rot walls and flooring, creating mold and costly structural repairs.
• LP gas leaks or faulty appliances can cause fires or carbon monoxide incidents; always insist on leak-down and CO detector testing.
• Brake and axle issues can lead to dangerous sway or stopping distances; verify proper brake controller settings and axle alignment.
• Miswired electrical systems risk shorts and fires; ensure GFCIs and shore power are tested under load.

Because some issues surface only after a few trips, extended service delays can cause missed reservations and nonrefundable expenses. Use third-party inspections and pre-delivery testing to avoid inheriting hidden defects. For independent industry education, see how advocates dissect real owner problems on Liz Amazing’s channel, then search within the channel for the specific dealer or model you’re considering.

(Serious Concern)

If your experience at Fabe’s Corner involves misrepresentations, failure to honor written promises, or warranty runarounds, these frameworks may apply:

• Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL): Prohibits deceptive acts and practices in sales and advertising. Complaints can be filed with the PA Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection: PA Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Governs warranties on consumer products. Dealers and manufacturers must honor written warranties and cannot mislead consumers about required paid services: FTC – Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC Auto and Financing Rules: Deceptive advertising and financing practices (e.g., packing payments, false “required” add-ons) can trigger enforcement: Federal Trade Commission.
• Title and Registration Compliance (PA): Dealers must process accurate title work promptly. Persistent delays or errors should be reported to state agencies and can justify withholding final payment until corrected.
• Safety Recalls: Critical defect repairs should be completed promptly. Check VINs at NHTSA and require proof of completion before delivery.

Document everything: dated photos, texts/emails, buyer’s orders, PDI checklists, and service repair orders. If you face unresolved issues, consider filing with the PA AG, the FTC, the Better Business Bureau, and your lender if financing was involved. If you’ve been through this at the Palmyra location, share your documentation highlights to help the next buyer.

(Serious Concern)

• Third-party inspection: Schedule it before paying or signing. If not allowed, walk. Find options: RV Inspectors near me.
• All-in price: Demand a single out-the-door price with every fee and add-on listed. Refuse any surprise line items at signing.
• Financing control: Obtain a credit union pre-approval. Don’t accept dealer claims that add-ons are “required” to get the rate.
• Trade-in: Bring competing cash offers. Get the valuation as a separate line item; do not allow it to be buried in the sale price.
• Due bill (We-Owe): Any promise—repairs, parts, accessories—must be written with completion dates before you take delivery.
• Recall verification: Run the VIN and require written proof of completed recall work.
• Walkthrough time: Block at least 2–3 hours. Test every appliance, slide, and system on shore power, battery, and propane.
• Refuse junk add-ons: Paint/fabric protections, nitrogen fills, etch, theft packages rarely justify cost. Decline unless you independently value them.
• Keep leverage: Do not fund the deal until inspection items and promised corrections are complete and documented.
• Document everything: Photos/videos of defects and paperwork copies. If you encounter problems, describe how you resolved them.

(Moderate Concern)

• Escalate with documentation: Email the dealer’s service manager with photos, dates, and a concise timeline. CC the manufacturer’s customer care.
• Set expectations: Ask for a written repair plan with dates. If the RV is unusable, request priority handling or alternative accommodations.
• Regulatory complaints: File with the PA Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and the FTC if you suspect deceptive practices.
• Finance/lender leverage: If financing was involved and you believe you were misled about add-ons or APR, notify the lender in writing and request an audit of the contract.
• Independent inspection post-purchase: A specialist report can support warranty claims and regulatory complaints. Search locally: RV Inspectors near me.